Leicester have signed the 40-year-old striker Kevin Phillips until the end of the season. The former England international has been a free agent since last weekend after his contract expired with Crystal Palace, where he won his fourth promotion to the Premier League last season.

He scored the match-winning penalty against Watford in the Championship play-off final at Wembley but made just four appearances from the bench for Palace in the top flight.

Leicester's manager, Nigel Pearson, said: "The opportunity to sign a player of Kevin's experience and knowhow doesn't come along too often so I'm delighted that we've been able to add him to our squad.

"He's a player I know well, he's a fantastic professional with multiple promotions to his name and he will bring some great qualities to the group, both on and off the pitch."